COASTAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY ~~~ Joann Lebherz Educational Advocate
Special Educational Advocacy Services for Students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
There are many reasons to hire an educational advocate
The IEP process can be very overwhelming and confusing. I will provide you with information to better understand the special education process.
WHY USE AN EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATE?
SERVICES OFFERRED
IS YOUR CHILD NOT MAKING EFFECTIVE PROGRESS IN SCHOOL?
As an Educational advocate I will champion for your child from pre-school to high school and transitioning to adulthood. I will thoroughly and carefully review all your child's educational and medical records, which may include Neuropsychological, School Evaluations, Medical Records, Hospitilzation discharge documents, Progress Reports a
As an Educational advocate I will champion for your child from pre-school to high school and transitioning to adulthood. I will thoroughly and carefully review all your child's educational and medical records, which may include Neuropsychological, School Evaluations, Medical Records, Hospitilzation discharge documents, Progress Reports and Report Cards. Respecting your vision for your child and mediating with the school on your behalf based on your child's individual special needs. Your child IS entitled to FAPE, free and appropriate public education
IS YOUR CHILD NOT MAKING EFFECTIVE PROGRESS IN SCHOOL?
SERVICES OFFERRED
IS YOUR CHILD NOT MAKING EFFECTIVE PROGRESS IN SCHOOL?
Knowledge is key for parents in learning about special education laws and procedures. We provide new clients an information package on Basic Rights in Special Education and Important Resources for their child, based upon disability.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW!
- The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a plan or program developed to en
Knowledge is key for parents in learning about special education laws and procedures. We provide new clients an information package on Basic Rights in Special Education and Important Resources for their child, based upon disability.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW!
- The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services.
THERE ARE FOURTEEN DISABILITIES UNDER IDEA
- Autism
- Deaf-blindness
- Deafness
- Developmental delay
- Emotional disturbance
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairment
- Specific learning disability
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairment, including blindness
- A Section 504 Plan is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
SERVICES OFFERRED
SERVICES OFFERRED
SERVICES OFFERRED
REVIEW, EXPLAIN and organize student’s documents.
ADVISE on the best communication style with school districts and
PROVIDE suggestions for resolving issues and concerns
TRANSLATE Special Education terms
EDUCATE in Special Education process and laws by state and federal guidelines.
ASSIST AND COMPLETE state forms relative to the child's di
REVIEW, EXPLAIN and organize student’s documents.
ADVISE on the best communication style with school districts and
PROVIDE suggestions for resolving issues and concerns
TRANSLATE Special Education terms
EDUCATE in Special Education process and laws by state and federal guidelines.
ASSIST AND COMPLETE state forms relative to the child's disability and make referrals to state/private agencies-DMH, JRI, Youth Villages, Mass. Health, Rogers Guardianship, CRA, DDS, Massabilities, DTA.
RESEARCH specific educational needs of the child diagnosed with Autism, Mental Health Disability, Intellectual Deficits, Learning Disabilities, ADHD/ADD, etc. and provide referrals for wrap-around family services. PANS/PANDAS experiences, Genetic deletion/duplications, diabetes.
PROVIDE children with Complex Health Needs such as brain trauma, diabetes, cerebral palsy, arthritis, genetic disorders, and other chronic health conditions a comprehensive IEP/504 Plan with an IHP (Individual Health Plan).
INTERPRET educational and psychological testing
ATTEND Team meetings and advocate for Parent and Student Concerns. Remote Meetings can be conducted with the school districts. Advocacy services now extend throughout the state of Massachusetts via REMOTE MEETINGS.
Recommend and negotiate for special education services on IEP’s , 504’s, behavior and transition plans
RESEARCH Out of district placements and mediate with the school district with the appropriate placement for the student with the Team input.
ATTEND Court Procedings, mediations and hearings with BUREAU OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL APPEALS
COLLABORATE with professionals such as doctors, psychologists, therapists, family service agencies and lawyers.
SUPPORT for disciplinary issues, suspension meetings and hearings, Manifestation Determinations.
MONITOR the implementation and effectiveness of the IEP through data collection requested and IEP progress reports
PROVIDE a transition plan and state supports for your child as they age out at 22 years old.
College transition planning.
oann...
SOCIAL SERVICE SUPPORTS
Joann has over twenty years of experience implementing IEP's and 504 Plans. She has three children that had/have varying disabilities and significant health concerns. She is adept at reviewing and researching IEP's and 504 Plans. Joann can assist client's with the laborious state forms that have to be completed. Such as Mass. Health, Developmental Disability Service forms (DDS) and Department of Mental Health DMH Forms and SSI forms. She has found this service to be very helpful for an overwhelmed parent. Joann has a strong referral network of specialists, and state departments---Neuropsychologists, JRI, Youth Villages, Vinfin, Baycove, Baycoast, Neurologists, ABA Service Providers, ARC, PPAL, MRC, DDS, DPH, DCF, DMH, Pediatric Mental Health facilities/therapists, pediatricians, CBT , DBT providers.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Joann is a Temple University Graduate-Continued CEU in Special Education/Mental Health training, in collaboration with the Federation for Children with Special Needs, Special Needs Advocacy Network, Children Behavioral Health and Complex Trauma Workshops, to stay up to date on ever-changing Special Education Laws and new pediatric medical research.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Member of SPAN, PPALS, NAMI, COPPA, Services, Pathlight Group.
- Advisory Board member for the Crehan IEP Project at Tufts University
- Advisor for the Committee on Disabilities, Town of Sandwoch
- Educational Advocate Vendor for the Committe for Public Counsel Services.
Let an Advocate Guide You....
We can help your child succeed! We are here to LISTEN, LEARN and EMPOWER......We will advocate for your child so that they receive the individualized services needed and required to learn and be happy children. That's what every parent wants...........
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